The 25 Best Apple Picking Spots in the United States | Yelp

Apple picking is an age-old fall tradition. As the hot summer days begin to cool off, apple picking becomes one of the healthiest and most family-friendly ways to celebrate the turn of the season.

Apple picking farms often offer more than Granny Smith and Honeycrisp – many have extra activities like wagon rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch, live music, wine tastings for adults or entire fall festivals. Many of these farms also have amazing stores or farmer’s market stalls selling jams, candies, cider donuts, and all kinds of fall treats.

So if you love apples (you had to!), read Yelp’s list of the best places to pick apples in the United States. If you’re planning on visiting any of these places this fall, don’t delay! Most orchards only offer apple picking until the first frost, so the peak picking season is usually between late August and mid-November, depending on your location.

Pro Tip: You’re going to want to rate these places, so we’ve made it easy for you. For big business at your fingertips, get the Top 25 on the go. Follow this collection on Yelp.

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1. Stone Soup Farm and Heritage Orchard – Oak Glen, California

What they are known for: Established in 2010 and located in the eastern foothills of Oak Glen, this family-run micro-farm features a heritage apple orchard, flower fields and cultivated gardens. The farm is dog-friendly and has paid seasonal dinners.

What Yelpers say: “I never thought we were going apple picking in Southern California! Admission is $5 and apples are sold by the pound… There’s also food on site in case you don’t. wouldn’t have eaten before the long drive to Oak Glen. The staff were super friendly and helpful in instructing us. There were tons of kids and dogs around so if you have any, be sure to take them too!” – Yelp Elite Scott S

2. Battleview Orchards – Freehold, New Jersey

What they are known for: Founded in 1908, the Farm and Country Store has been owned and operated by the Applegate family for four generations. Yelpers highly recommend their apple cider donuts.

What Yelpers say: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away! … These orchards were beautiful and well worth the drive from New York. I was in awe and had no idea there were so many varieties of apples. It was overwhelming but exhilarating to be a kid again. We were just two moms in town enjoying a beautiful fall day, sharing a childhood tradition with our kids. It was a memorable and photogenic experience. We laughed and cracked up while trying to be strategic with the apples picked – Yelp Elite Kristia B

3. Willklow Orchards – Highland, New York

What they are known for: a sustainable and environmentally conscious sixth-generation family farm with your choice, CSA memberships, bakery, farmer’s market stalls and events. Bring back your apple picking bag next year for a discount.

What Yelpers say: “One of the best apple picking farms I have visited. Everything was so organized and there weren’t too many people. …. They gave us a map and were told there were tractor stops everywhere. If our bags have become too heavy, we can leave them there and they will bring them back to us. It was the first time I had seen something like this done for apple picking. We started all the way out the back and they had a ton of apples. The hike was very steep but the views were amazing. -Yelp Elite Kimberly H

4. Jaswell’s Farm – Smithfield, RI

What they are known for: a fourth generation family farm offering freshly picked seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as an assortment of fresh baked goods in their bakery. Make a reservation ahead of time to reserve your apple picking time slot and avoid a queue.

What Yelpers say: “Apple picking and pumpkin picking are just a rough sketch for this local farm. The little store is stocked with more of their fresh produce and homemade treats. The apple cider donuts are the best I’ve ever had. The apple fritters are to die for. Then they have these extravagant caramel/chocolate/Oreo covered apples. Apple cider, sauces, pies, apple butter, preserves, syrup, salsa and more. EVERYTHING homemade. – Yelp Elite Ashley R

5. Larriland Farm –Woodbine, MD

What they are known for: a U-pick fruit and vegetable farm that also offers a farmers market in their big red barn. Don’t leave without an apple fritter.

What Yelpers say: “It was my first time picking apples and tomatoes and it was a treat. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I wanted to do fall-inspired activities to kick off the season…. I highly recommend a farm trip, even if you choose not to pick anything, everyone should find out how and where their food is grown for a better appreciation of what ends up on the plate. Also on site is a huge barn that sells goodies from the farm (if you don’t want to do your own picking/cooking).” – Yelp Elite Michele C

6. Marker-Miller Orchards – Winchester, Virginia

seven. Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge, Georgia

8. Russell Orchards –Ipswich, Mass.

9. Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market – Middlefield, Conn.

ten. windy eyebrow farms – Fredon Township, NJ

11. Patterson Fruit Farm – Chesterland, Ohio

12. red apple farm – Phillipston, MA

13. Edwards Apple Orchard – Poplar Grove, IL

14. LU-pick ibby and his son – Limerick, ME

15. Rocky Creek Orchard – Middletown, RI

16. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery – Elkhorn, WI

17. Triple B Farms – Monongahela, Pennsylvania

18. Ricker Hill Orchards – Turner, ME

19. Wasem Fruit Farm –Milan, Mich.

20. The Butler’s Orchard – Germantown, MD

21. Spicer Orchards Farmer’s Market and Cider House –Fenton, Mich.

22. Shelburne Orchards –Shelburne, Vermont

23. Grandpa’s apples – Hendersonville, North Carolina

24. Whistling Well Farm –Hastings, Minn.

25. Rowley’s Red Barn –Santaquin, UT

Did your favorite place make the top 25? Let us know on Twitter and instagram. Remember, we only know how good a place is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelpand maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best apple picks in every state according to Yelp. We identified businesses with a high concentration of reviews mentioning “apple picking,” then ranked those locations using a number of factors, including total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning “apple picking.” We’ve excluded companies that were on last year’s list. This list has reviewed companies in the United States. All businesses have been marked open on Yelp as of August 19, 2022, or will soon be open for the fall season. When available, all companies on this list have a passing health score as of August 19, 2022.